Annual Polish festival at St. Joseph’s Parish starts Sept. 16

ANSONIA — St. Joseph’s Parish is gearing up to host its annual end-of-summer celebration with a free, Polish-American picnic and festival.

According to Parish Council President Peter Danielczuk, the festival has been happening for more than 50 years, and is a way to not only thank parishioners, but to honor area first responders, firefighters and police officers, and their equipment, during a special blessing ceremony.

This year’s festival will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sept. 16 at Warsaw Park, 119 Pulaski Highway. Admission is free. A mass in both Polish and English will kick off the event at 11:30 a.m., followed by the blessing of the first responders’ equipment at 12:30 p.m.

“The blessing recognizes the great work the volunteers (and other first responders) do in our community,” said Danielczuk.

Danielcuzk dubbed the festival “one of the best local parish festivals with great food, entertainment and friendship.”

The menu will feature all sorts of Polish and American cuisine freshly prepared and home-cooked by parishioners, ranging from potato pancakes and pierogis to kielbasa and liver and bacon sandwiches. Beer, wine and soda will also be available for sale.

In addition to the good eats, the festival will feature Polish and English music courtesy of Danielczuk himself, known as “Polka Pete,” serving as DJ from 1 to 3 p.m. Danielczuk has been broadcasting polka music since 1971, with his first job at the former WADS radio station based out of the old Ansonia Mall. He will be followed by live music from 3 to 7 p.m. courtesy of the Eddie Forman Orchestra (polka band).

Festival-goers will also have a chance to play games and win $2,000 during a special raffle scheduled for 7 p.m.

For more information about this year’s festival, call Helen at 203-734-0095.